Perth Wildcats will need to find a new sixth man after Jordan Usher exited the club to join French outfit JL Bourg after just one season.
Usher exploded onto the NBL scene when he dropped a record 35 points on debut in a stunning win over Tasmania.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, and the Wildcats, he was never able to reach the same heights, and his drop in performance was indicative of the Wildcat’s poor start to the year which eventually saw him demoted to the bench.
However, the move breathed new life into what looked to be a spiralling season with him becoming a reliable impact player off the pine, recording double digit points in 15 of his 24 games.
“It’s never a hit to the ego. You have to be resilient to that type of stuff, especially in-house or anything with my teammates, mates or my own coaches. If that’s what we think is going to win more games, then I am all for it,” Usher told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast about his move to the bench during the season.
“I’m a competitor. At the end of the day, no one wants to not start in basketball, especially at the professional level when I feel like I can. But I’m here to win games, and I’m here to provide what the team needs and bring that next championship to the Perth Wildcats. That is truly my only intention.”
His switch with Hyrum Harris proved crucial in the Wildcats mid-season turn around which saw them reach the semi-finals, however, their challenge fell short with a 2-1 semifinal series loss to Tasmania.
The club took to social media to thank Usher for his service.
“With the news coming out that he has signed with @JLBourgBasket, we would like to thank Jordan Usher for his contributions in NBL24,” they wrote.
“Wishing you all the very best for what the future brings!”
Usher finished the season averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists from his 31 games.
It’s another blow for the Wildcats who also lose superstar Alexandre Sarr from their best six to the NBA.
Sarr is expected to go at Pick No.1 in the draft
Perth did announce the signing of Australian/American college star Elijah Pepper back in April.
Source Agencies
